The elusive 2014 Sea Ray 510 is spotted

[Turtlesboat]

Ahh the dinette boat with no galley makes an appearance. Maybe in person I would appreciate it more. I did like the 510DA, just don't like the squareness of the furnishings and the decreasing size of the galleys.

 

[Pseudomind]

Yep the 50 Maritimo sure looks nice as does the Azimuth 65.

 

[shadow9999]

I have a friend who, this fall, took his Viking 50....

On the other hand, I've seen our mutual friend's 50'er Viking. It's a big 50'er, at least it feels very big. The way the lower helm is designed it fits/blends very nicely in the salon. I was pleasantly surprised.

They are referring to me. I would like to offer my opinion/experience with this boat.

Let me preface my comments with this. I enjoyed Sea Ray boats for over 25 years ranging from 21 feet up to 41 feet. Sea Ray builds a solid boat and they have a well deserved reputation for quality construction. I am also offering up to you my personal opinion and feelings on the subject. As such, I am not attacking any boat, any builder, or any person on this forum. Also, I’m not going to talk about the exterior styling of the Euro style boats. Every person is different, so of course there will be varying opinions on what is liked and what isn’t liked. If you like that Euro style exterior, than I agree with your opinion. If you don’t like it, then I respect that as well.

That being said, let me tell you about why I moved away from Sea Ray with my recent purchase of a Viking Sport Cruiser. (Viking’s official name for the boat is a Viking Sport Cruiser – not a Fly, not even a Flybridge) As I mentioned, I enjoyed four different sized Sea Rays over a period of about 25 years. I wanted to move into a boat in the 50 foot range, and began my search.

I didn’t want to move into another Sundancer. I felt as though the interior space of the dancer was not the greatest entertainment space. (again my OPINION only – don’t bash me for it – I think all of my Sundancers had fabulous layouts and utilized the space very effectively) Anyway, with the way we use our boats, the interior of the Sundancer was not the best in terms of entertainment space when you have multiple people on board. You can’t beat the cockpit of the dancer. I feel that by far it’s the best possible entertainment space/hang out zone. But I wanted a good interior as well as a good exterior hang out zone. The interior of the dancer was also too close to the sleeping quarters, in my opinion, for an entertainment space.

I was never a fan of the bridge style boats. (again just my opinion) I love the way they look on the exterior. However, I have several issues with them. First - On the bridge boats that I have been on (and this may not be true of all bridge boats – just the ones that I have had the opportunity to tour), I always felt that the bridge itself was built for being just a bridge. There wasn’t a lot of room to move around, and while it was an OK area to entertain in, it wasn’t as conducive to that usage as I would have liked. It was perfect for piloting the boat, but again not a great hang out zone. Second - I absolutely hate eisenglass. I’m not a fan of it in any way, shape or form. Yeah EZ2CY is a fantastic material, but again, I’m just not a fan. You can’t do anything about water splashing up on the bridge because you can’t have wipers operating on eisenglass (or EZ2CY for that matter). I run my boat back and forth to Florida every year, and put 300 to 350 hours on the engines each year. So I run into crappy seas and have to deal with lots of water over the bow. I don’t like when my vision is obscured by the water for hours on end while traveling to a given destination. I typically do 8 to 12 hours days when running the boat north and south. 8 hours of continual obscured vision is not something that I enjoy. And finally, I don’t care for the fact that I have to be on the bridge while piloting the boat. My guests and crew may want to sit in the comfort of the salon, so that puts me up top, alone, potentially for hours at a time.

Sea Ray, unfortunately, did not have a boat that would address my concerns about the bridge, or suit my needs for a good interior hang out zone. When I came across the Viking Sport Cruiser all of my needs were met. First, the upper deck is very spacious. The well laid out helm only takes up a small space on the port side. There is a large U shaped seating area, a generous table, and a large sun pad. There is also a cool box for storage of drinks and food. I have a bimini top on the boat. I removed all of the eisenglass that the previous owner had made for the boat for the reasons I mentioned above. I also feel, as someone else posted, that the eisenglass up top changes the exterior look of the boat, and I didn’t want that. I kept the bimini because often people will want the open air, but don’t want sun directly beating down on them. If they want the sun, they can go over onto the sun pad that I mentioned. So the bridge, for me, is a place to run the boat on nice weather days, and a great place to hang out and party while at the dock. There is also plenty of room for guests to move around, eat, drink, catch some sun, etc. while underway, so I probably won’t ever be up there by myself.

So no eisenglass? Then what happens when the seas start to kick up or the weather goes bad? Well then it’s down to the interior helm. Due to the way the salon is laid out, the lower helm does not take away much from the interior space. It is a very efficient layout in my opinion, better than the other Euro style boats out there. Piloting the boat from the lower helm is wonderful. I am fully climate controlled, have windshield wipers to deal with the splash, I have fantastic visibility due to all of the windows on all four sides, and I feel like I am driving a boat while sitting in the comfort of my living room. It’s also insanely quiet. I kid you not, that we can have a conversation, at normal talking volume, while at cruise speed. So now I’ve got all of my boat piloting requirements covered.

Just as on the bridge style boats, the salon on my Sport Cruiser is a great hang out zone, when you want that interior hang out space. You’ve got all that space, and you have the separation from the sleeping areas. And of course, there is the cockpit. Granted it’s not the cockpit of a dancer, but then again neither is the cockpit of a bridge boat. It’s just the compromise that you have to make for these style boats. So now I have not one, not two, but three really good hang out zones on the boat. The bridge, the cockpit, and the salon. I’ve had the salon doors open (triple slider so it opens about 6 feet wide) so it feels like the inside is part of the outside, with people both inside and out, and it was great.

So there you have it. This style boat happens to be the perfect boat for my needs. So for me, it was a no brainer to move away from Sea Ray. I commend Sea Ray for starting to build this style boat. Had they previously had these style boats in their line up, I may very well still be a Sea Ray owner today. I think that they are filling a gap that they had in their lineup, and that makes perfect sense to do.

 

[ZZ13]

With all respect, I don't quite understand your post. Guess I don't appreciate or understand the fine details of bridge boats (I have only had one for a month). Seems like the boat you have now is similar at the macro level to any Sea Ray bridge boat with the lower helm option, past or present (510 Fly). Upper helm and seating area, lower helm and salon area, and cockpit area. Is it the fine details of each of the three gathering areas that you are highlighting as better for you on your boat compared with any Sea Ray bridge boat over the years? Or is it something else at the top level of design?

 

[Boat Guy]

Robert, I read your post with interest. I think you outlined your process and needs very succinctly. To me, it sounds like the Fly would have fit your mission well, no? I've re-read other posters concerns and issues and I'm a bit puzzled about how they run their boat and what their missions are.

For me, this boat seems to be a good balance of compromise. I think every boat has it's trade-offs. The trick is to finding one that matches your style of boating best. Congratulations to you for finding yours.... It sounds like a nice boat.

 

[shadow9999]

With all respect, I don't quite understand your post. Guess I don't appreciate or understand the fine details of bridge boats (I have only had one for a month). Seems like the boat you have now is similar at the macro level to any Sea Ray bridge boat with the lower helm option, past or present (510 Fly). Upper helm and seating area, lower helm and salon area, and cockpit area. Is it the fine details of each of the three gathering areas that you are highlighting as better for you on your boat compared with any Sea Ray bridge boat over the years? Or is it something else at the top level of design?

I can easily explain. Seems this thread sparked lots of emotion in people. Some loved the new 510 while others seemed to bash it. What I was trying to point out is that this style of boat is needed in the Sea Ray line up. I, a 25 year Sea Ray guy, am now a Viking owner because Sea Ray could no longer fit the bill for me. It is actually very different from a standard bridge boat. Similar, but with substantial differences. And Sea Ray is absolutely doing the right thing by coming out with a boat of this type. I don't believe for a moment that the Dancers or Bridge boats will go away. And yes, Boat Guy (post directly above) you are spot on that this new 510 certainly would have fit the bill for me. But for me it was too late in coming, and now I am no longer a Sea Ray owner. With boats of this type, Sea Ray has the ability to capture more of the market share.

 

[techmitch]

They are referring to me. I would like to offer my opinion/experience with this boat.

Let me preface my comments with this. I enjoyed Sea Ray boats for over 25 years ranging from 21 feet up to 41 feet. Sea Ray builds a solid boat and they have a well deserved reputation for quality construction. I am also offering up to you my personal opinion and feelings on the subject. As such, I am not attacking any boat, any builder, or any person on this forum. Also, I’m not going to talk about the exterior styling of the Euro style boats. Every person is different, so of course there will be varying opinions on what is liked and what isn’t liked. If you like that Euro style exterior, than I agree with your opinion. If you don’t like it, then I respect that as well.

That being said, let me tell you about why I moved away from Sea Ray with my recent purchase of a Viking Sport Cruiser. (Viking’s official name for the boat is a Viking Sport Cruiser – not a Fly, not even a Flybridge) As I mentioned, I enjoyed four different sized Sea Rays over a period of about 25 years. I wanted to move into a boat in the 50 foot range, and began my search.

I didn’t want to move into another Sundancer. I felt as though the interior space of the dancer was not the greatest entertainment space. (again my OPINION only – don’t bash me for it – I think all of my Sundancers had fabulous layouts and utilized the space very effectively) Anyway, with the way we use our boats, the interior of the Sundancer was not the best in terms of entertainment space when you have multiple people on board. You can’t beat the cockpit of the dancer. I feel that by far it’s the best possible entertainment space/hang out zone. But I wanted a good interior as well as a good exterior hang out zone. The interior of the dancer was also too close to the sleeping quarters, in my opinion, for an entertainment space.

I was never a fan of the bridge style boats. (again just my opinion) I love the way they look on the exterior. However, I have several issues with them. First - On the bridge boats that I have been on (and this may not be true of all bridge boats – just the ones that I have had the opportunity to tour), I always felt that the bridge itself was built for being just a bridge. There wasn’t a lot of room to move around, and while it was an OK area to entertain in, it wasn’t as conducive to that usage as I would have liked. It was perfect for piloting the boat, but again not a great hang out zone. Second - I absolutely hate eisenglass. I’m not a fan of it in any way, shape or form. Yeah EZ2CY is a fantastic material, but again, I’m just not a fan. You can’t do anything about water splashing up on the bridge because you can’t have wipers operating on eisenglass (or EZ2CY for that matter). I run my boat back and forth to Florida every year, and put 300 to 350 hours on the engines each year. So I run into crappy seas and have to deal with lots of water over the bow. I don’t like when my vision is obscured by the water for hours on end while traveling to a given destination. I typically do 8 to 12 hours days when running the boat north and south. 8 hours of continual obscured vision is not something that I enjoy. And finally, I don’t care for the fact that I have to be on the bridge while piloting the boat. My guests and crew may want to sit in the comfort of the salon, so that puts me up top, alone, potentially for hours at a time.

Sea Ray, unfortunately, did not have a boat that would address my concerns about the bridge, or suit my needs for a good interior hang out zone. When I came across the Viking Sport Cruiser all of my needs were met. First, the upper deck is very spacious. The well laid out helm only takes up a small space on the port side. There is a large U shaped seating area, a generous table, and a large sun pad. There is also a cool box for storage of drinks and food. I have a bimini top on the boat. I removed all of the eisenglass that the previous owner had made for the boat for the reasons I mentioned above. I also feel, as someone else posted, that the eisenglass up top changes the exterior look of the boat, and I didn’t want that. I kept the bimini because often people will want the open air, but don’t want sun directly beating down on them. If they want the sun, they can go over onto the sun pad that I mentioned. So the bridge, for me, is a place to run the boat on nice weather days, and a great place to hang out and party while at the dock. There is also plenty of room for guests to move around, eat, drink, catch some sun, etc. while underway, so I probably won’t ever be up there by myself.

So no eisenglass? Then what happens when the seas start to kick up or the weather goes bad? Well then it’s down to the interior helm. Due to the way the salon is laid out, the lower helm does not take away much from the interior space. It is a very efficient layout in my opinion, better than the other Euro style boats out there. Piloting the boat from the lower helm is wonderful. I am fully climate controlled, have windshield wipers to deal with the splash, I have fantastic visibility due to all of the windows on all four sides, and I feel like I am driving a boat while sitting in the comfort of my living room. It’s also insanely quiet. I kid you not, that we can have a conversation, at normal talking volume, while at cruise speed. So now I’ve got all of my boat piloting requirements covered.

Just as on the bridge style boats, the salon on my Sport Cruiser is a great hang out zone, when you want that interior hang out space. You’ve got all that space, and you have the separation from the sleeping areas. And of course, there is the cockpit. Granted it’s not the cockpit of a dancer, but then again neither is the cockpit of a bridge boat. It’s just the compromise that you have to make for these style boats. So now I have not one, not two, but three really good hang out zones on the boat. The bridge, the cockpit, and the salon. I’ve had the salon doors open (triple slider so it opens about 6 feet wide) so it feels like the inside is part of the outside, with people both inside and out, and it was great.

So there you have it. This style boat happens to be the perfect boat for my needs. So for me, it was a no brainer to move away from Sea Ray. I commend Sea Ray for starting to build this style boat. Had they previously had these style boats in their line up, I may very well still be a Sea Ray owner today. I think that they are filling a gap that they had in their lineup, and that makes perfect sense to do.

I can easily explain. Seems this thread sparked lots of emotion in people. Some loved the new 510 while others seemed to bash it. What I was trying to point out is that this style of boat is needed in the Sea Ray line up. I, a 25 year Sea Ray guy, am now a Viking owner because Sea Ray could no longer fit the bill for me. It is actually very different from a standard bridge boat. Similar, but with substantial differences. And Sea Ray is absolutely doing the right thing by coming out with a boat of this type. I don't believe for a moment that the Dancers or Bridge boats will go away. And yes, Boat Guy (post directly above) you are spot on that this new 510 certainly would have fit the bill for me. But for me it was too late in coming, and now I am no longer a Sea Ray owner. With boats of this type, Sea Ray has the ability to capture more of the market share.

Robert, both great post with a lot of insight. Now, how about some pics?

 

[moparlvr4406]

not that it matters but I like the 510 fly .. especially with the hardtop
maybe by the time i can afford one the lines of my old 340 will be back in style and I won't need an upgrade.

 

[cod]

Robert,
You basically make a great point that there are many types of boaters with different needs or preferences. Unfortunately, Searay may be picking up some new market share, but losing another. They should keep the Sedan Bridge in their line up. Viking certainly didn't give up the Sportfish when they introduced the Sport Cruiser.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Robert,
You basically make a great point that there are many types of boaters with different needs or preferences. Unfortunately, Searay may be picking up some new market share, but losing another. They should keep the Sedan Bridge in their line up. Viking certainly didn't give up the Sportfish when they introduced the Sport Cruiser.

I think that is the underlying concern that none of us managed to express. Instead of adding to the line, this model replaced certain models.

PS
Great post, Robert. You can still come to Atlantic City with us...

 

[shadow9999]

I think that is the underlying concern that none of us managed to express. Instead of adding to the line, this model replaced certain models.

Hmmm. Well I guess that's still to be seen. I don't see anything on Sea Ray's web site that indicates that. I do see that there is no 580 Sedan Bridge in the 2014 line up for example, but there is no 580 Fly either. So the 580DB was not replaced by anything in 2014, just not being made this year. Could just be a factor of the economy. Who knows? If it is true that certain DB models are being replaced, then it must be the case that those models were not good selling models for Sea Ray. It they were, there would be no reason to replace them. JMHO.

 

[shadow9999]

PS
Great post, Robert. You can still come to Atlantic City with us...

Oh, and thanks!!!

 

[bmac]

Probably the same as the 510, though the interior likely doesn't feel as compromised by the lower helm as the 510 does. I'll let you all know if i can get on either or both at the Miami show.

Brian, you have any thoughts about Sea Rays up coming 65?

 

[bmac]

Ron, agreed (mostly). Both Maritimo and Riviera will tell you they expect that many of their boats will never be fished and have therefore evolved more into Sedan Bridges than Sport fishing boats, just look at their offerings and you can see the departure in some of their models. They still sell hardcore fishing boats but they als now offer boats designed for cruising. I can see why Sea Ray has evolved to the Sport Bridge approach, like the 510 and 650, I just wish they had updated the Sedan Bridge line, as well, with fully enclosed, hard top, hard glass bridges like Maritimo, Riviera, Hatteras, Viking and others have. Now THAT would be a killer lineup addressing the Euro style lovers and the more traditional Sea Ray lovers.

QUOTE=rondds;719774]Brian
When I hear mention of offerings form Maritimo and Riviera I think sportfish. I know they they are probably more so classified as "convertibles" but they are borne of the sportfish class (tuna towers, outriggers, etc). I don't think SR has ever been in the sportfish business, other than the late '80s 440 Convertible (I think that was the designation). And they didn't sell a whole lot of those. Matter of fact I don't think I've ever seen a 440 owner on this board or its predecessor.

SR has clearly chosen a pathway more in the direction of the SPORT BRIDGE than the convertible/sedan bridge. I can certainly see why current DB owners may favor a design akin to the overseas builders. Is there room for both types of bridge boats from a mega-manufacturer? That's going to take market research to figure out.[/QUOTE]

 

[bmac]

I'd be very happy to discuss further in person at the Sea Ray display or aboard the 510 or 650 at the Miami Boat Show.....

QUOTE=SeaRayCorporate;719766]I'm still here, usually multiple times per day. Just listening, mostly. We're certainly watching this thread and we appreciate all the feedback', both positive and negative; I especially appreciate BMAC's well-articulated critique. And believe it or not, we are making some adjustments on the fly (see what I did there?) in response.[/QUOTE]

 

[Jims380DA]

Living in the northeast, I'd be surprised if anyone would be interested in this boat. No bridge AC or heat? Is there a cockpit cover to cover the upholstery every time you come in? Carpets to roll up and take in? Just more chores to do... I'm sure there is a market for this boat down south or overseas but I'm sure not up north. Corporate, change the name of that boat! Re introduce it as the modern day EB (express bridge).

 

[mistercomputerman]

Hmmm. Well I guess that's still to be seen. I don't see anything on Sea Ray's web site that indicates that. I do see that there is no 580 Sedan Bridge in the 2014 line up for example, but there is no 580 Fly either. So the 580DB was not replaced by anything in 2014, just not being made this year. Could just be a factor of the economy. Who knows? If it is true that certain DB models are being replaced, then it must be the case that those models were not good selling models for Sea Ray. It they were, there would be no reason to replace them. JMHO.

Hi Robert
I think we lost the 520 Sedan Bridge, the 580 Sedan Bridge and the 610 Sundancer while gaining a 510 FLY. I believe that those boats were produced at the Sykes Creek facility in Merritt Island, FL.

 

[mwph]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of the big boat guys for taking the time to post. The thread has been a huge learning experience. It is virtually impossible for many of us to gain access to so much first hand experience without this forum/thread. Boats of this size are not in my future, but learning about them and how they are used, along with your opinions and insights is very interesting.

Thank you all again.

 

[IanBat]

The comment of Rivieras being fishing boats with Tuna towers is interesting.

My Brother in law, purchased a 2005 58' Riviera with a Tuna tower, out of the U.S., strange for an Aussie built boat, but had got it for a bargain.

It is very very unusual to see either a Riv or a Maritimo out here fitted with a Tuna tower, or fishing, the vast majority are Family cruisers

The 58 has a fully enclosed bridge with climate control, no downstairs helm, and an extremely well laid out kitchen, saloon, and accommodation area.

Likewise the marina owner where mine is kept, had a 60' Maritimo, no tower, a great layout, and I very much doubt you would have fished out of it.

Over here the majority of owners find a downstairs helm, nothing but a waste of space, that never gets used.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

I am reluctant as all get-out to enter this discussion, now debate. It all boils down to what my grandfather used to tell me ..”everyone is different son, if we were all the same then everyone else would want your grandma”…..yep.

Sea Ray has built more completely different styling’s of boats than any other boat builder in the world for over fifty years and the 510FLY is no different in that approach. Yes, some will like it and some maybe not so much. Again I won’t enter my horse in this race because I don’t have a horse. I will tell you that I have been a closed door carriage rider for a long time and being in the open air crossing the state of Florida, was really, really nice!

If you have the slightest desire in this boat, please feel free to contact me so we can talk in length. I spent two days on her crossing the state via Lake Okeechobee and it was an extremely relaxing ride, with a light winter breeze (65 morning temp) and unobstructed views of Florida wildlife... and no humans!

That’s the boat. You don’t like it now, you may not ever. If thinking you like it now, you will love it in person !! Boatguy and I are going to see if we can take a picture or two for you guys.

ttmott…you there Tom, PM me a number and I will come get ya at the dock ‘round noon.


Have a Super CSR Sunday folks. It’s getting to sound a lot like Christmas…….be nice to your neighbor.

Capt. Rusty
Sea Ray Boats